Squad sheets: Manchester City v Southampton

Southampton can take immense pride in the consecutive promotions with which Nigel Adkins has restored the club to the top flight, but this game might be seen as a trial for a club that has come so far so soon. It would be a surprise if Manchester City did not revel in the occasion at the Etihad Stadium on Sunday. The manager, Roberto Mancini, seemed frustrated this summer by a halt to the large-scale recruitment policy of the past, but a settled squad may be formidable as players improve their rapport with one another. Kevin McCarra